Ghana midfielder James Kotei saw 90 minutes of action as Simba SC were held to a goalless draw at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salam.
The 25-year old was as usual a delight to watch in the game as he marshalled the midfield with his overwhelming style of play which saw the stubborn and skillful Mazembe midfield at bay for the entire minutes.
Even though he is not known for scoring goals, the midfield dynamo had a half-chance that he could have scored but unfortunately squandered it.
The Msimbadzi Reds started the game lively as they created glaring opportunities in the early minutes of the cagey encounter to unsettle tournament favorite Mazembe side.
Meddie Kagere and Clatous Chama could have secured the three points for the home side but missed all the opportunities.
The return leg of the encounter is scheduled for next Sunday, April 13, 2019 at the Stade TP Mazembe in Democratic Republic of Congo and the Tanzanian side have to go all out to snatch a semi-final slot.
